ARTISTS

Michael Holland

A respected songwriter, performer, and producer/engineer, Michael Holland embodies a true independent American spirit. Whether writing and performing solo as a fingerstyle folk/blues guitarist, leading a band of bluegrass/country musicians, or putting his producers/engineer's hat on, Michael lives his work and enjoys life, and it shows in his recordings and live performances, which number close to 150 shows a year.

Originally from Monroe, North Carolina, Michael got his start as one of the main songwriters of the critically acclaimed North Carolina band Jennyanykind, who, from 1992-2003, carved their own niche in the American roots... More

A respected songwriter, performer, and producer/engineer, Michael Holland embodies a true independent American spirit. Whether writing and performing solo as a fingerstyle folk/blues guitarist, leading a band of bluegrass/country musicians, or putting his producers/engineer's hat on, Michael lives his work and enjoys life, and it shows in his recordings and live performances, which number close to 150 shows a year.

Originally from Monroe, North Carolina, Michael got his start as one of the main songwriters of the critically acclaimed North Carolina band Jennyanykind, who, from 1992-2003, carved their own niche in the American roots music landscape by releasing critically acclaimed albums on the now defunct No. 6 records, Elektra/ Time Warner, and Yep Roc records.

After Jennyanykind disbanded in 2003, Holland released a solo record entitled "Bootlegger's Dreams" on his own Big Johns Records, to regional acclaim. Michael and his record were nominated for an Indy Award from the Independent Weekly for best folk artist and best folk record of 2004.

His second release in fall 2005, on Sit-n-Spin records, Tomorrows American Treasures, was created with the help of Big Fat Gap Bluegrass band, and spent several months in the top 10 of the National Bluegrass Airplay chart, according to Roots Music Report.

One of the tracks from the album, Since I Lay My Burden Down, has also been covered by Rounder recording artists, Dean and Britta, for their 2006 "Words You Use to Say EP". Michael was also picked as an up and coming artist in American Way Magazines June 1, 2005 music issue, Published by American Airlines, putting him alongside musicians such as Regina Spektor, Seu Jorge, and Carrie Rodriguez. His songs have appeared in as varied of places such as "Hell on Wheels", a documentary about All-Girl Roller Derby,(and an official selection at 2007 Sundance Film Festivals), and PBS Television's Roadtrip Nation.

During this time, Michael also found time to take the role of Frank James during the revival of the Red Clay Ramblers musical Diamond Studs: The Life of Jesse James, and his voice was described as “haunting on more than one occasion” by Independent Weekly reviewer Byron Woods.

His most recent release (January 2008), Simple Truths and Pleasures, was once again performed with members of the Big Fat Gap Bluegrass Band from NC. This album chronicles some North Carolina figures that include Eric Rudolph, Carter Family confidant Lesley Riddle, and depression era robbers Bill Payne and Wash Turner.

It was also the first collaboration between Holland and Jan Szlovak of Moll-Selekta Records (Hamburg, Germany). With reviews in such respected publications as No Depression and Der Spiegel, along with Holland’s continuous live appearances, Simple Truths and Pleasures announces a new international frontier and a growing international fan base.